In search of the right abstraction: The synergy between art, science, and information technology in the modeling of natural phenomena

Abstract

The creation of models of nature is the main objective of natural sciences.
Without abstraction, however, models would be as complicated as reality
itself; they would mimic nature without helping us to understand it.
Identifying the essential features of the phenomena being described
is therefore a crucial element of model construction. Unfortunately,
an emphasis on objective, measurable characteristics, as promoted by
current scientific practices, may lead in the wrong direction.
An easily measurable characteristic may turn out to be irrelevant;
on the other hand, a feature that eludes precise definition or
measurement may be of central importance.
The paper illustrates this thesis by referring to the modeling
of natural forms and patterns (in particular, plants) using the formalism
of Lindenmayer systems combined with computer graphics visualizations.
In this domain both precise botanical data and artistic
observations play an important role. This synergy gives a new perspective to
the centuries-old question of the relationship between science and art in
describing the world around us.